Ndathi Dairy Farmers Cooperative

Posted on Oct 22, 2008

A group of 60 farmers organized the Ndathi Dairy Farmers cooperative in 2006. Chief David encouraged the formation of this group and is a member. The cooperative began meeting once a month, with each member contributing about $2 per meeting. As the fund grew, the cooperative permitted one member per month to borrow enough money to purchase a cow. Eventually, all of the members were able to purchase a cow. The members of the cooperative had intended to sell their milk to the local dairy but soon found that the Kenyan cows they had purchased did not produce sufficient milk. The cooperative sent a proposal to BBI in September 2008 requesting financial support so members could purchase a better breed of cows. BBI sent $4,000 to be used as a microcredit cooperative, suggesting that members borrow from this fund to buy more productive cows and/or straws for artificial insemination, enabling crossbreeding to improve the herd. Any money borrowed is to be repaid to the cooperative, not BBI, ensuring ongoing funding for further development of the dairy cooperative. The Ndathi Dairy Farmers cooperative has proven to be very beneficial to the community at large.

Chief David also takes advantage of the regular meeting times to bring in speakers on general topics, often leading to productive discussions. Topics have included HIV/AIDS, basic health education, and how to reduce incidences of domestic violence in the community.
(Click on thumbnail images to the right for pictures)